Wondering what to serve with chicken and waffles? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. From plain macaroni Here, you’ll also find low-carb variations for some of your favorite classic comfort food dishes to help you indulge guiltlessly during holiday brunches or family dinners.
I’m sharing ideas to turn chicken and waffles into a complete meal with delicious comfort food dishes. Besides the best side dishes, you’ll also find some drinks & toppings to make this main meal an extra special treat.
Chicken and waffles are a classic Southern comfort food that goes well together because they have both sweet and savory flavors. Fried chicken and waffles are tasty on their own, but the right side dishes can really take this soul food favorite to the next level.
This article will talk about 17 of the most popular and tasty side dishes that go well with chicken and waffles. These sides will go well with chicken and waffles whether you’re making them for Sunday brunch or a weeknight dinner.
Comfort Food Sides for Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles already covers the comfort food bases. But why not up the coziness factor with these hearty, indulgent sides?
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are a natural pairing for chicken and waffles. The cream cheese adds a rich tangy flavor that keeps them from becoming overly heavy. Allow the butter and cream cheese to soften to room temperature before mashing for the smoothest texture.
Mac and Cheese
When served with chicken and waffles, homemade mac and cheese is a sure thing. A classic version made on the stove with American, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese is easy to make and tastes great. Also, who can say no to waffles for soaking up extra cheese sauce?
Cheesy Jalapeño Grits
For an extra comforting Southern touch, whip up a batch of rich, spicy jalapeño cheddar grits. The heat from the peppers and sharpness from the cheese pair perfectly with the sweet, salty flavors of chicken and waffles.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Adding sweet potato casserole to your chicken and waffles will get you in the holiday spirit. A tasty, crunchy pecan streusel topping goes on top of the sweet potato filling. It’s sweet indulgence at its finest.
Veggies and Salads for Chicken and Waffles
While chicken and waffles covers the protein and carb bases, adding veggies or a fresh salad ensures you get a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
Rainbow Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, oranges and more tossed in a honey lime dressing lightens up this meal. The sweet fruits complement the savory chicken and waffles flawlessly.
Korean Slaw
For a lighter slaw option, try a Korean style made with carrot, cabbage, scallions and a chili garlic vinaigrette. It has the perfect amount of tang and heat to balance the fried chicken and waffles.
Succotash
This fresh veggie medley of corn, lima beans and red peppers sautéed with bacon hits all the right notes alongside chicken and waffles. It brings color, crunch and savory flavor to your plate.
Spicy Collard Greens
Slow cooked collard greens seasoned with onions, vinegar, brown sugar and red pepper make the ideal Southern side for chicken and waffles. Their tangy spice contrasts the sweet and salty main dish.
Fresh Salads for Chicken and Waffles
Crisp, raw salads with bright vinaigrettes serve as tasty palate cleansers with the rich chicken and waffles.
Arugula Salad
A simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon balsamic vinaigrette offers a nice peppery kick to balance out your meal. Add feta, tomatoes or pears for extra flavor and crunch.
Watercress Salad
Delicate watercress gets dressed up with fresh orange segments, red onion and a citrusy vinaigrette in this refreshing salad. It’s a light and lively side for chicken and waffles.
Spinach Strawberry Salad
Sweet, juicy strawberries, spinach, feta cheese and candied pecans create a salad full of varying flavors and textures that pair beautifully with chicken and waffles.
Pickled Veggies for Chicken and Waffles
Bright, vinegar-based pickled veggies offer the ideal tangy contrast to salty, sweet chicken and waffles.
Spicy Refrigerator Pickled Okra
Quick pickled okra with dried red chilies and garlic adds a pleasant pop of heat and crunch to balance this meal. Just be sure to use young, tender okra to avoid sliminess.
Dilly Beans
Crunchy dill pickled green beans have a similar fresh tang and satisfying snap as okra. They can be whipped up in just 20 minutes for an easy chicken and waffles side.
Sweet and Spicy Cucumber Pickles
Cooling cucumber pickles flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves and allspice make a delicious accent next to chicken and waffles. Their sweet and heat complements the dish well.
Toppings and Extras for Chicken and Waffles
Take your chicken and waffle combo to new heights of flavor with these creative condiments and toppings.
Maple Candied Bacon
Crisp bacon roasted with a maple syrup glaze is the ultimate sweet and salty garnish for chicken and waffles. Every bite of your meal gets kicked up a notch.
Peach Salsa
Fresh peaches, jalapeño, red onion and cilantro form a sweet and spicy salsa that’s sensational spooned over waffles or chicken. The bright fruit flavor balances the richness.
Strawberry Compote
For a lighter alternative to maple syrup, try an antioxidant-rich strawberry compote made with fresh berries, sugar and lemon juice. Its sweet-tart taste complements waffles flawlessly.
Herb Infused Honey
Whip up a batch of honey infused with fresh rosemary, thyme or sage. Drizzled over your chicken and waffles, it adds natural sweetness plus savory herbal flavor.
Putting It All Together
When preparing your ultimate chicken and waffles feast, choose a couple of complementary sides from each category to offer a variety of flavors and textures. Aim for a mix of lighter and heavier, sweet and savory dishes to satisfy all preferences.
Some excellent complete meal ideas could include:
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Chicken and waffles with Korean slaw and maple candied bacon
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Chicken and waffles with sweet potato casserole and peach salsa
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Chicken and waffles with roasted asparagus and strawberry salad
The possibilities are endless for fabulous pairings with this cherished meal. With the right combination of sides, you can take your chicken and waffles from a fun comfort food to an unforgettable soul food experience.
So go on, gather your family or friends and dig in to chicken and waffles made extra special with these mouthwatering accouterments. Just be prepared for plenty of satisfied smiles and empty plates once you serve up this winning southern combo.
What Is Chicken and Waffles?
Fried chicken and waffles is a sweet & savory Southern main dish served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
It might sound strange to put fluffy waffles and crunchy chicken together, but they make the best meal.
As in the name, the main components of this popular dish are:
- Most of the time, chicken thighs, breasts, or wings make up crispy fried chicken pieces. Typically, you brine the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce. After that, you dip them in seasoned flour and fry them in oil until they turn golden brown.
- Belgian Waffles: includes either sweet or savory waffles. Most of the time, all-purpose flour, sugar, egg whites and yolks separated, and melted butter or olive oil are used to make the batter. Many times, these are made to order in a waffle iron that has already been heated up.
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FAQ
What to eat with Chicken & Waffles?
Green beans drenched in brown sugar and soy sauce get crispy with bacon and baked to perfection. With a hint of smoky, salty bacon and a sauce that sticks to the beans, this dish is a perfect match. It’s a sweet and savory delight that elevates chicken and waffles. 9. Smashed Potatoes Crispy smashed potatoes are my new favorite side dish.
What are the best sides for Chicken & Waffles?
The best sides for chicken and waffles include onion rings, cheese grits, cornbread, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Each one makes for the perfect feast!.
What vegetables go well with Chicken & Waffles?
Skillet Green Beans: Fresh green beans cooked in a skillet with garlic taste amazing. They’re quick to make and give you a healthy veggie option with chicken and waffles. Fresh vegetable sides make chicken and waffles more balanced. These green options add nutrition while keeping all the delicious comfort food flavors. Want more crunch?.
How do you eat fried chicken with waffles?
Sweet Toppings: Pour warm maple syrup all over your chicken with fluffy waffles. Some people like honey butter too! The sweet syrup mixing with fried chicken and waffles creates magic on your plate. Butter: A pat of melty butter makes everything better! It soaks into the hot waffle and mixes with your syrup. Yum!.
What sidekicks go well with chicken tenders & waffles?
Coleslaw is a classic. It’s made with crisp cabbage and creamy mayo. It has a touch of sweetness and a hint of nutty poppy seeds. This sidekick’s crunch and sweet-savory profile perfectly complement chicken tenders and waffles. It adds texture and balance to your meal. 8. Green Beans.
What grits go well with Chicken & Waffles?
Creamy Grits: Smooth, buttery grits complement chicken and waffles beautifully. The creamy texture adds another layer of Southern comfort to your plate. They’re simple to make too! Cornbread: Warm, honey-sweetened cornbread pairs wonderfully with chicken and waffles.
What is a good side with chicken and waffles?
Fried rice is a perfect addition if you want to serve up some chicken and waffles for supper. 2. Mac n Cheese – Probably one of the more popular side dishes for chicken and waffles, the best mac and cheese serves up noodles in a warm and creamy cheese sauce.
What do chicken and waffles come with?
Traditionally, seasoned fried chicken is served on top of a buttermilk waffle, and syrup or honey is often drizzled over the top. Some contemporary versions play with different batters and seasonings for the chicken and add-ons like bacon, cheese, or spicy sauces to create a fusion of flavors.
What side dishes go well with waffles?
Here are some delicious side dishes that will go great with pancakes and waffles, whether you like them sweet or savory. Scrambled Eggs. Frittata. Hash Browns or Skillet Potatoes. Breakfast Sausages. Fried Chicken. Fruit Salad. Bacon. Avocado Slices and Poached Eggs.
What drink pairs well with chicken and waffles?
If you make a gravy to be poured over the both chicken and waffles you should get something that will cut the heaviness and go with a fall flavored beer such as malty ipa or a cranberry gose. If all else fails, pumpkin brew should work.